Rice husks as sustainable energy resource

Agricultural wastes such as rice husks are now used as a source of energy that helps advance the agriculture industry, particularly on rice mechanization and post production operations.

In a presentation given by Engr. Eden C. Gagelonia of PhilRice during the 9^th ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, and Korea) Forum on Biomass Energy held in Chengdu, China, on November 8-11, it was reported that the Philippines produces an average of 2 million metric tons of rice husks annually.

Rice husks are sold at P1.80/kg. Ms. Gagelonia said that in the past, these “wastes” were just being dumped at the back of rice mills or burned on road sides.

“A kilo of rice husk basically contains about 3,000 kcal of heat energy and can provide sufficient amount of clean gaseous fuel when gasified,” Ms. Gagelonia explained.

“Converting this available biomass waste into energy by gasification can provide about 25 PJ of energy which can be utilized for various heat and power applications, especially in rice farming and rural-based operations,” she added.

Rice biomass also helps in the restoration of the soil and contributes to carbon sequestration for greenhouse gas mitigation.

Ms. Gagelonia also revealed during the forum that PhilRice developed a rice husk gasifier engine system that converts biomass into different applications such as thermal (cooking, baking drying, and steam generation), mechanical (irrigation pump and rice mill), and electrical power (lighting and power supply infrastructures). Gasifiers also provide clean energy for domestic and cottage industry.

Furthermore, wastes produced by the gasifier can be used by farmers as soil conditioner and as element for organic fertilizer.

To strengthen the application of decentralized system of biomass energy, Ms. Gagelonia suggested that the government must formulate supportive policies for the adoption and adaptation of the developed technologies in the locality.

For more information on PhilRice machines that use biomass energy contact the PhilRice Text Center at 0920-9111398.

Comments

Empanada festival: A celebration of good taste and good life

By Dominic B. dela Cruz & Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporters BATAC CITY—If there is one thing Batac is truly proud of, it would be its famous empanada-making business that has nurtured its people over the years. Embracing a century-old culture and culinary tradition, Batac’s empanada claims to be the best and tastiest in the country with its distinctive Ilokano taste courtesy of its local ingredients: fresh grated papaya, mongo, chopped longganisa, and egg. The crispy orange wrapper and is made of rice flour that is deep-fried. The celebration of this city’s famous traditional fast food attracting locals and tourists elsewhere comes with the City Charter Day of Batac every 23 rd of June. Every year, the City Government of Batac led by Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta commemorate the city’s charter day celebration to further promote its famous One-Town, One Product, the Batac empanada. Empanada City The Batac empanada festival has already become an annua

PGIN honors Ilocano heroes of past, present through Heroes Walk

SPO1 Allan Lampitoc Franco of Banna, Ilocos Norte and PO2 Jovalyn D. Lozano of Adams, Ilocos Norte receive a resolution of commendation, a certificate of college scholarship grant to their family members and a P20,000 cash incentive each from the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte represented by Governor Imee R. Marcos and Vice Governor Angelo M. Barba in recognition of their bravery and heroic acts in the Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao on January 25. Mr. Franco and Mr. Lozano were recognized on March 10 in time for the unveiling of the second batch of Ilocano heroes at the Heroes Walk located along the Sirib Mile in Laoag City. (Lei Adriano) By Jennifer T. Pambid PGIN-CMO In honor of the heroes who brought freedom, fame and glory to the province as well as to the country in the past century, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through the Education Department and Sirib Youth Office launched the second batch of Ilocano Heroes Walk on March 10, 2015.

Pagudpud’s tourism transformer passes away

By Leilanie G. Adriano Staff reporter LAOAG CITY—Retired Philippine Air Force Col. Ricardo Nolasco Jr., owner of Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte passed away on Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018. He was 67. “He did not survive an open-heart surgery,” said Ronald Dominguez, spokesperson of the largest resort at Brgy. Balaoi in Pagudpud. Known as the architect behind the transformation of Pagudpud town as a premiere destination of the north, Mr. Nolasco put up Hannah’s Beach Resort in what was originally meant as a family vacation resort. The rest is history when it expanded into more than 300-room executive villas and cabanas, with on-going infrastructure developments and set up various amenities. As a result, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists visit here daily. The resort is on a cliff by the beach, which provides a spectacular view of the sparkling blue lagoon. “Yesterday will go down my lifeline as one

The Ilocos Times

Search This Blog